Originally published on Aflac Newsroom
The familiar sounds of baseball — cracking bats, cheering crowds and the hum of summertime excitement — once again set the stage for something far more meaningful than a game. At Aflac’s 2026 Night at the Ballpark in Atlanta, patients, families and physicians from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta gathered for an evening of big-league baseball, that blended America’s favorite pastime with moments of joy, connection and healing.
Now a cherished annual tradition, the event welcomed patients, their siblings, parents and care teams for a respite from the challenges of treatment. For many in attendance, the night was not just about baseball; it was about reclaiming a sense of normalcy and celebrating time together outside hospital walls.
The ballpark transformed into an inclusive, uplifting environment where children could simply be kids. Activities ranged from creative coloring stations to interactive entertainment, while Aflac distributed signature goody bags filled with themed items, including its well-known plush duck supporting childhood cancer and sickle cell awareness initiatives. These ducks and other themed items are available at shop.aflacchildhoodcancer.org, and proceeds tied to these efforts benefit the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, reinforcing the broader mission behind the evening.
Beyond the games and giveaways, the significance of the event lies in its emotional impact. For families navigating complex medical journeys, experiences like this offer a much-needed break — one where the focus shifts from treatments and appointments to laughter, shared memories and community.
The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center remains a national leader in pediatric care, supporting thousands of children each year across cancer and blood disorders, including the largest pediatric sickle cell programs in the United States. The partnership between Aflac and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has long aimed to support both cutting-edge care and the holistic well-being of patients and families.
“Events like this remind us that healing isn’t only clinical — it’s emotional, too,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Aflac. “Seeing these families come together to make memories and find support in one another is a great reminder that there is a community that cares deeply about them and their journeys."
As the sun set over the ballpark, the cheers carried a deeper meaning. For one night, the focus shifted from medical charts to memorable moments — proof that even amid life’s toughest challenges, joy can still take center field.
With each passing year, Night at the Park continues to underscore Aflac’s commitment to compassion, community and the belief that small moments of happiness can make a big difference. In fact, since 1995, Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation, Inc., have contributed nearly $200 million to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. These donations help advance groundbreaking research, fund innovative treatments and provide critical resources for children and families facing cancer and blood disorders. Beyond supporting care, it also helps create meaningful experiences that bring comfort to patients and their loved ones when they need it most.
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